Who are we?

Playing Up is a Bath-based theatre company with a justified reputation for superb acting performances and technical excellence. Our shows regularly sell out and we have a loyal and growing support base. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and no matter how simple the production, the staging must be flawless. This means that the set, sound, lights, costumes and props must be perfect every time. In addition we are firmly dedicated to the idea that live theatre should teach us all something. Playing Up has built a strong reputation performing plays that are relevant to GCSE and A Level students, whether they are curriculum set texts or coursework linked.

How do we do it?

The company consists of teachers, directors, professional and ex-professional actors and technicians with over fifty years experience in theatre between us. This ranges from pantomime to open air Shakespeare, medieval street theatre to musicals, Greek tragedy to farce. Our experience of different staging styles ranges from theatre in the round to traverse, thrust stage to proscenium arch, static open air to mobile street performances. We have worked for other companies, professional and amateur, large and small; appeared in theatres in Bristol, Bath, London, Winchester and Cornwall; performed at festivals ranging from The Edinburgh Fringe and The Bath Fringe to Glastonbury and learnt something important at every stage.

What has united us and led to the creation of Playing Up is a shared belief that theatrical productions should be occasionally thought provoking, often challenging and always enjoyable….for cast and crew as well as for audience. If it isn't an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone, then it isn't worth doing.

Click the menu items above for more information on productions, the people involved and contact information. Click here if you want to join in.

OUR NEXT PRODUCTION

Playing Up are back at The Rondo between 24th and 27th February 2010 with the hilarious comedy Abducting Diane by Dario Fo, adapted by Stephen Stenning. Diane Forbes-McKaye, millionaire media tycoon, is kidnapped by Firemen! In the ensuing chaos someone is locked in a fridge and electrocuted, a perverted priest pulls a gun, an altar boy is smothered in ice cream, a manic mother saves everyone from being crushed by moving scenery and things blow up. This is a glorious piece of satirical comedy from the genius who wrote Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Can't Pay, Won’t Pay and Trumpets and Raspberries.

About the Play    About the Playwright